Best Grand Hotel Hotels in Andalucía

A 350-hectare luxury estate in the Sierra de Loja between Málaga and Granada, reimagined by Unico Hotels as the ultimate Andalusian countryside retreat. The cortijo features 73 uniquely designed rooms and suites arranged like a charming white village, Michelin Guide acclaimed La Finca restaurant, Flow Spa with heated pool and hammam, plus extensive activities from horseback riding across rolling hills of olive groves and oak forests, or a visit to the local organic caviar farm. Michelin Guide acclaimed La Finca restaurant with chef Fernando Arjona and maître d’ José Briones serving exceptional Andalusian cuisine featuring Riofrío caviar, Iberian ham, and regional specialities. El Mirador poolside restaurant for regional classics including gazpacho and wood-fired Iberian secreto. Garden Lounge for breakfast. Pop-up experiences include BBQ nights with live flamenco and Andalusian guitar performances.

Founded in the 1950s by Prince Alfonso Hohenlohe, this was once the hotspot of various figures of European royalty during the summer but has since had a bit of a revival. Now renowned as an amazing health and well-being retreat as well as retaining some of the old-school glamour which had attracted the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly to return again and again. The 35 guestrooms and 80 suites are set amongst lush subtropical gardens and many include private outdoor terraces. With white timbered roofs and a coastal-inspired pastel palette, Deluxe Beachfront rooms compliment their views of the Strait of Gibraltar; whilst private villas ooze contemporary Andalusian chic dressed nearly all in white and boasting private pools. When you aren’t lazing around in verdant walled courtyards or around one of the three pools, you can learn meditation from a master, work with a naturopath, nutritionist or fitness expert to improve your lifestyle, or enjoy a Thalassotherapy treatment or ritual at the award-winning spa – holistic wellbeing is at the core of the Marbella Club’s ethos. When you get hungry The Grill is an old-school restaurant with knowledgeable sommeliers and French fare presented under silver cloches, whilst The Beach Club has a renowned buffet of vibrant seafood, paella, pasta salads and cold meat for more casual dining. Alternatively, the Chiringuito MC Beach serves up barbequed sacks and smaller bites, perfect for poolside dining.

The Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Hotel Benahavis Marbella Resort is the group’s new flagship resort in Southern Spain. Sheltered by majestic mountains, this Mediterranean resort is close to some of the country’s most beautiful ‘white villages’, the prestigious town of Marbella, and the sparkling sea. Expect a compelling combination of European elegance with upscale gastronomy across 8 dining venues, as well as exceptional leisure facilities including a super-stylish beach & racquet club, an award-winning spa and championship golf courses.

Alfonso XIII, great-grandfather of the present king, ruled until Spain declared itself a republic in 1931, and commissioned this centrally-situated hotel during 1929’s Expo 29 in Seville. Modernity mixes with Moorish and Spanish tradition in its elegant interior and stunning facade while dining outlets complement the meeting and function rooms. Sample authentic Andalusian cooking in the restaurant, or share tapas favourites in ENA by Carles Abellán. Meanwhile, as you might guess, the Bar Americano shakes (or stirs) a mean cocktail in an Art Deco setting.

Inspired by traditional Andalusian architecture, this exclusive and luxurious hotel and resort is the perfect summer getaway. Blending the best of traditional Mediterranean lifestyle with contemporary living, the Finca Cortesin offers incredible cuisine, impeccable service and blissful tranquillity. Built around two sunny courtyards the hotel only has 67 rooms and yet feels palatial in style and space. Rooms are spacious and filled with light – a notable feature is their beautifully high ceilings. Spaces in the hotel manage to be both elegant and luxurious whilst still offering a lot of comfort. We adore the statement printed textiles which stand out against the warmly neutral décor. Surrounding the hotel is 23,000 sqm of landscaped gardens, a luxurious Thai spa, an incredible 4 swimming pools (our favourite is the heated indoor pool with views of the coast), tennis courts, and a spectacular beach club. The hotel is not lacking in dining options either – choose between the relaxed terrace restaurant El Jardin de Lutz, the Michelin-starred Kabuki Raw serving up Japanese-Mediterranean fusions, the traditional Italian brasserie from Sicilian chef Andrea Tumbarello, Don Giovanni, or casual tapas and drinks from The Blue Bar.

The Gran Hotel Miramar has brought 5-star glamour back to Malaga capital, the birthplace of Picasso. Opened in 1926 by Alfonso XIII, the hotel has been completely restored and the new interior design is different for each floor being decorated in a different style, these being either Arabic, Mediterranean or Modernist. Book one of the extraordinary signature suites, the Crown Suite (with a circular bed!); or the Royal Suite with its exceptional and expansive private, sea-facing terrace. This hotel is situated in the heart of the city of Malaga, so there are plenty of shops and museums within walking distance.

Standing proudly on a hilltop overlooking the city (just a ten-minute stroll to the centre), this grande dame with a terracotta facade is both aristocratic and elegant. Conceived in 1910, the building was inspired by the Nasrid Palace, paying detailed homage to local architecture and culture in its design. It received a full refurbishment in 2017 for maximum modern comfort that retains the traditional elements and regal Moorish features. The hotel’s à la carte restaurant, Principe, serves a range of Mediterranean and international food inside and on the terrace, with far-reaching views. Single rooms through to two-bedroom suites are offered at the Hotel Alhambra Palace.

Don Carlos Marbella is a recently refurbished 5-star resort set in Elviria, Marbella. It offers 284 rooms and suites alongside 24 private residences, surrounded by Mediterranean pine trees. Guests enjoy two exclusive beach clubs, including the Lucia Summer Club pop-up, and the legendary Nikki Beach Marbella, a wellness spa, a Rafa Nadal tennis centre, and family-friendly facilities. The resort balances a fresh, contemporary design with a strong Andalusian character.

Part of the Marriott group, this hotel is one of the finest in the city. Declared an artistic and historic monument, the building was once the Santa Paula Convent (in the 16th century) and the Casa Morisca (in the 17th century). Its restaurant, El Claustro, is the former convent refectory, now home to a modern dining concept. 66 rooms and seven suites (some of which offer full accessibility) now occupy a total of five floors, with minibars and cable TV alongside beamed ceilings, wooden floors and views framed by arched windows. There’s also a fitness centre on-site and around-the-clock room service.

Situated within the Santa Cruz historic and artistic district of Seville, amongst Royal Citadels and the world’s oldest bullfighting ring, La Mastranza, is your next luxurious stay – Hotel Colón Gran Meliá. Showcasing a chic and minimalistic design, each of the 156 guestrooms and 28 suites are adorned in red and gold tones with award-winning furnishings that blend the two aesthetics seamlessly into their own. With room options to suit any kind of traveller, you can immerse yourself in each floor of the hotel which is dedicated to a different Spanish artist, such as El Greco.  Its ideal and scenic location isn’t all it has to offer, with top-class dining experiences available at the El Burladero combining traditional Andalusian cooking with a dose of modernity, and Fitness facilities to keep your body and mind in shape During your next stay in Seville, at Hotel Colón Gran Meliá you are the star, with red carpet-worthy hospitality awaiting you.

The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, Benahavís, Marbella, is a five-star haven for golf enthusiasts and leisure seekers. Situated in Marbella’s renowned Valley of Golf, the resort boasts a private 27-hole golf course, offering an unparalleled experience amidst the scenic backdrop of the Sierra Blanca mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The resort features 170 elegantly designed rooms and suites, each adorned in an eclectic style that blends neutral tones with organic elements. Every room includes the signature Heavenly Bed® for a restful sleep and a private terrace that presents captivating views of the gardens, pool, golf course, or mountains.

Guests can indulge at Sunsa Restaurant, offering Mediterranean cuisine crafted from local ingredients, while The Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar provides a relaxed atmosphere for light meals and refreshments. For relaxation and wellness, the Heavenly Spa by Westin presents a sanctuary complete with thermal circuits, treatment rooms, and fitness facilities. Guests can also enjoy two outdoor swimming pools located within lush gardens, providing a serene environment to unwind.

Situated in the centre of Marbella the iconic El Fuerte Marbella has played host to the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Walt Disney. With the Plaza de los Naranjos only a 5-minute walk away and the San Luis Castle occupying an area in the hotel’s grounds, El Fuerte is the best place from which to explore Marbella. Despite the hotel’s rich heritage, its interior, designed by renowned Chilean designer Jaime Beriestain, is tasteful and modern. Every inch of the hotel’s interior and rooms has been perfectly curated to give guests the ultimate luxury experience. The hotel has a plethora of facilities and restaurants. Le Marche restaurant serves exquisite Mediterranean food as does the Levante Restaurant, both priding themselves on their use of local ingredients. The hotel’s Soleo restaurant is the perfect seafood restaurant for all guests and the hotel’s Coffee House run by Adrian Fernandez provides guests with delicious coffees and pastries.